The court gives the green light for continued mining operations in Tornedalen

Today, Kaunis Iron received the verdict from the Land and Environment Court of Appeal in our case concerning existing and expanded mining operations. The court upholds the Land and Environment Court’s granted permit for existing and expanded mining operations at the Tapuli, Palotieva, and Sahavaara mines, with a few changes. The verdict is extensive, and we will now carefully review its contents in full before commenting in detail on its implications.

"It is positive that the court shares our view on permissibility – that we run a sound operation that meets high environmental standards. However, the fact that the court does not grant us an enforcement order will impact the timeline for opening new deposits," says Hans Djurberg, Head of Sustainability at Kaunis Iron.

Kaunis Iron is in an important development phase where new deposits, such as Sahavaara and Palotieva, have the potential to generate significant value both locally and in meeting Europe's need for sustainably produced iron ore. A decision from the Land and Environment Court of Appeal granting permission for expanded mining operations is, of course, an important step, but not the entire solution.

"Even with a positive court verdict, the decision must gain legal force, and the market conditions must support investments before new mines can be opened. In the meantime, mining operations at Tapuli will continue according to the current plan until the end of December 2027," says Hans Djurberg.

If the verdict is appealed, we estimate that a legally binding decision can be expected at the earliest by the end of 2025.